Nairobi County’s financial management has come under intense scrutiny after the latest Controller of Budget report revealed that the county allocated Sh14 billion in funds, yet has registered 0% in development expenditure.
This revelation has sparked concerns among Nairobi residents and county representatives, who accuse the county government of neglecting critical infrastructure projects in favor of recurrent expenditures.
The report highlights that significant funds have been spent on domestic travel (Sh176.8 million), foreign travel (Sh11.9 million), fuel (Sh51.8 million), and hospitality (Sh28 million), with no investment in development projects to show for the fiscal period.
Johnson Sakaja smiles during a past UDA meeting
Adding to the concerns, several Nairobi County Assembly members, led by Deputy Minority Leader Waithera Chege and Kileleshwa Ward Representative Robert Alai, have voiced their frustration over stalled services and alleged mismanagement by Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Speaking to journalists, the MCAs pointed to deteriorating public services, stalled projects, and grabbed public land as signs of a leadership failure.
Chege and Alai highlighted issues with waste management, inadequate drainage, poor enforcement of urban planning regulations, and chaotic public transportation.
Dr. Machel Waikenda shakes hand with Nairobi Gov Johnson Sakaja
The Auditor-General’s report for the last fiscal year revealed that Nairobi County leads with stalled projects valued at Sh1.36 billion, including unfinished hospitals and healthcare facilities.
The MCAs criticized Governor Sakaja’s administration, alleging that the county government has hindered them from performing oversight roles, especially on financial matters.
They also pointed to irregular revenue collection processes and alleged underhand deals involving county officials.
“Our oversight role has been compromised. Residents continue to suffer as those expected to serve them cut deals,” said Alai.
Attempts to reach Governor Sakaja for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
Meanwhile, Nairobi residents are left questioning the county’s priorities amid growing concerns over service delivery and accountability.
